How do I drain a water cistern when toilet won't flush?

Tried to repair a toilet overflow problem when I accidentally unhooked the chain pull away from the siphon (the plundger has totally disappeared down it - probably never to be seen again.

Will I have to replace the siphon or is there a way of retrieving the plundger?

Needless to say I have not sorted out the original problem ie the overflow.

Irene J
April 2007